Social Effects of WW1
History: KS3, topic 17.3.1
Social Effects of the First World War in Russia
Russia was not the only country that struggled with the effects of 'total war' on its economy and society.
Railways
- The army took over control of the railroads and railways and requisitioned (took forcibly) huge amounts of food to feed the army.
- This caused the Russian railway system to collapse, which caused the food supply to the towns and cities to suffer.
Refugees
- Many refugees came from across Russia to Petrograd, but the city struggled to cope because it was far away from food-producing areas.
- The bread ration fell from 1.2kg to 0.8kg from 1916-1917.
- By February, Moscow was receiving 1,500 fewer wagons of grain per month compared to before the war.
Peasants in the countryside
- There was suffering in the countryside too.
- Around 16 million peasants fought in the army and many were injured or died.
- Horses that had previously been used for ploughing were seized by the military. The war made it very difficult to keep producing enough food.
Test yourself on Social Effects of WW1
The Railway System in Russia in WW1
What happened to the bread ration in Russia between 1916 and 1917?
How many Russian peasants fought in the army?